The Federal Government (FG) has filed criminal defamation charges against Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi for alleged defamatory remarks made against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.
The five-count charge, marked CR/547/2025, was filed before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, by Mohamed Babadoko Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecutions, on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federation.
Allegations Against Senator Nwebonyi
According to court documents dated September 11, 2025, Senator Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North and serving as Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, made the controversial statements between March 3 and 29, 2025.
He allegedly made the comments during interviews on Arise TV, Channels TV, TVC, and News Central, among others.
The prosecution accused him of uttering several damaging statements, describing Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan as “a habitual accuser” and “a woman who uses her gender as a weapon.”
He allegedly went further to call her “a known blackmailer” and “a mother of six from different men,” statements the Federal Government said were malicious and intended to tarnish her reputation.
Charges and Legal Provisions
The prosecution said these remarks violated Section 391 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Laws of the Federal Capital Territory, and are punishable under Section 392.
Count One of the charge accused the senator of making imputations knowing they would harm another person’s reputation, a crime that carries imprisonment, a fine, or both.
In one cited broadcast, Senator Nwebonyi was quoted saying: “This is a woman that have accused Yahaya Bello of sexual harassment… This is madness, Nigerian women should rise against this.”
“A mother of six from different men… her character is questionable.”
The government argued that such comments were made “maliciously and with reckless disregard for the truth.”
Court Proceedings
The case has been scheduled for hearing at the FCT High Court in Abuja.
Senator Nwebonyi is expected to appear to enter his plea and defend himself.
If convicted, he could face the penalties prescribed under Section 392, which include imprisonment, a fine, or both.